Massachusetts sports betting might look completely various if a brand-new bill proposed in the Senate succeeds. And if history is any indication, controlled sports betting in other states might also alter drastically.

SD 1657 was presented by Sen. John Keenan. "An Act Addressing Economic, Health, and Social Harms Caused by Sports Betting" intends to increase the existing sports betting tax rate from 20% to 51%. Additionally, Sen. Keenan calls for a complete ban on live sports betting (in-game wagering) and prop bets.

The main thing to keep in mind is that Massachusetts has actually been at the leading edge of stricter sports betting regulations. The 2nd thing to understand is that the language of this expense is similar to the SAFE Bet Act, a federal piece of legislation introduced in 2024.

This costs was presented not long after former Massachusetts Governor and current NCAA president Charlie Baker testified in front of the Senate in a meeting on sports betting guideline.

So, while this is currently a Massachusetts bill, it's likely to affect other states that provide managed sports betting.

A closer take a look at SD 1657

Taxation

Beginning with the tax rate increase, bringing sports betting to 51% has been a target for Sen. Keenan before. Keenan proposed a tax boost at the last legal session, but it was rejected. This boost would have come in the state's spending plan costs.

Only 3 markets have tax rates of 51%, the highest in the country: New York, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. At 20%, Massachusetts currently ranks 6th greatest.

Banning live betting and prop betting

The measure forbids in-play (live sports betting) or prop sports betting. Just straight wagers would be enabled, limiting sportsbooks to using just moneyline, spread, and totals.

While Massachusetts and other markets have constraints on collegiate betting, this would impact even expert sporting occasions.

The bill likewise looks for to add benefits and same-game parlays to the classification of "unreasonable and misleading practices." Sportsbooks favour same-game parlays due to their high "hold" percentage, the amount of cash they deflect each $1 wagered.

Gamer Limits

SD 1657 likewise intends to produce compulsory everyday and monthly limits for bettors. Bettors could not wager more than $1,000 a day and $10,000 a month without an 'price evaluation' which includes checking checking account. A player can not wager more than 15% of the quantity in their account.

Massachusetts would end up being the very first market to need an affordability evaluation on bettors.

Advertising restrictions

Keenan also wants to eliminate advertising during televised sporting occasions. The procedure would prohibit sportsbooks from running ads during video games. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has actually checked out developing a restriction on in-game ads before. However, this did not go through as national TV deals make this tough to enforce.

Will the procedure pass?

The step is severe in its changes to the sports betting industry in Massachusetts. Banning prop sports betting and increasing the sports betting tax rate will likely result in pushback from local sportsbooks and market fans.

Because of this, the step will likely be fought in the Senate and your home of Representatives. In the previous session, Keenan failed to raise the tax rate.

He would need to convince the other senators who did not support his initiative before to change their minds. If and when the Senate discusses this measure, it is difficult to tell how it will be received.